India are out to build consistency and depth in the upcoming series against the Black Caps. It has been a difficult tour for the Black Caps but the abbreviated format often acts as an equaliser.
India vs New Zealand | First T20I | Friday 27 January 2023 | Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium, Ranchi | 14:00
To Win Match
India 14/10 | New Zealand 3/1
While Rohit Sharma has insisted that he has not quit T20 cricket, Hardik Pandya leads India in the format for now.
Pandya helms a team without Sharma, Virat Kohli or Shikhar Dhawan but there is plenty of batting power.
The skipper himself is likely to have a floating role in the order but Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav look set to open the batting.
Kuldeep Yadav will be out to continue his resurgence should he get a chance to bamboozle the Kiwis.
Mitchell Santner will take over the captaincy and will lead a side devoid of Kane Williamson.
The Black Caps’ big T20 weapon will be Devon Conway but Finn Allen will also be asked to throw the willow at the new ball.
Uncapped quicks Ben Lister and Henry Shipley could be in line for T20I debuts.
Lockie Ferguson appears to be the de facto leader of an inexperienced pace attack.
Verdict: India 14/10
India hold the edge on paper and and should really be claiming victory here with minimal fuss.
